England suffered another humiliating defeat at the hands of Australia, losing 78-0 in their second Women’s Rugby League World Cup Group A match in Perth. The defending champions led 36-0 at half-time and never let up, exposing a gap to the Jillaroos that has barely shrunk since the last meeting between the sides.
The tone was set just one second into the match, when England conceded a penalty as Lucy Murray was caught two yards offside from kick-off. From there, it was damage limitation for England, while Australia put on a show.
England (Credits: BBC Sport)
Australia vs England: Kelleher Runs the Show in Perth
The architect of England’s misery was Jocelyn Kelleher, who posted 26 points with two tries and nine goals. Kelleher, who was eligible for England through parentage, showed no mercy for her mother’s homeland, her kicking game precise and her timing of pass repeatedly punching holes in the England defence.
Jaime Chapman opened the scoring after England were caught chasing a kick from their own try-line, and she added a second after seven minutes, rising to take a high catch from Kelleher’s kick. Tamika Upton broke two tackles before Kelleher crossed herself, and by the break Abbi Church had made it 36-0 in the corner.
The second half brought no respite. Tarryn Aitken brought up 40 straight after the restart, Olivia Kernick ran through three players, and Quincy Dodd forced over the 10th try under the posts. Australia were in full showboat mode, Kelleher chip-kicking for herself before a stunning over-shoulder pass set up Church’s second try. Makenzie Weale, Tiana Penitani Gray, Isabelle Kelly and finally Shaylee Bent completed the rout.
England’s World Cup Hopes Now Rest on Samoa Decider
The defeat echoes the 90-4 thrashing England suffered against the same opponents in Las Vegas in March 2025, when they trailed 38-0 at the break. Only six of this England squad were in Las Vegas, but little has changed in quality terms, and England looked passive, error-prone and limp in the tackle.
There was added pain as second row Eva Hunter exited with an ankle injury in the first half, adding to the loss of Jasmin Strange, who picked up a serious knee injury in training on Tuesday. Fran Goldthorp, England’s best player on the night, carried on despite a nasty blow to her wrist.
As expected, England’s qualification will now come down to a decider against Samoa next Friday, where they must be far better.
Also Read: Samoa Thrash Wales 76-0 With 14 Tries to Set New Record at Women’s Rugby League World Cup and England Thrash France to Keep Alive World Cup Hopes
Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.
